[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JAMES A. HAUGHT

 Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I wish to recognize a dear 
friend, a proud American and a passionate West Virginia leader, Jim 
Haught, who is celebrating his 90th birthday on August 6, 2014. I am 
incredibly grateful for Jim, for his loyal friendship and his 
unwavering support over the years. I am proud to celebrate his vast 
achievements and his many years of dedicated service to his community, 
to West Virginia, and to our Nation.
  A native West Virginian, Jim was born in the small town of Weston and 
was raised in New Martinsville. He was the proud son of Ben and Orpha 
Haught. With 11 siblings, there is no doubt that Jim learned early on 
about the meaning of life's most important concepts, including 
leadership, sacrifice, and commitment. True to Jim's character, he also 
had an eagerness and a passion for policy and government affairs from a 
very young age.
  Throughout his 90 years, and still today, Jim has always answered the 
call of service--whether it was for our great Nation or for the 
beautiful people of West Virginia. After graduating from Pine Grove 
High School, he joined the Navy and served proudly and honorably for 3 
years.
  After returning home from the Navy, he left his hometown of New 
Martinsville to focus on his education at Salem College and then at 
George Washington University in Washington, DC, where he was classmates 
with Margaret Truman, the daughter of President Harry S. Truman. Jim 
then went on to study law at West Virginia University and while there, 
founded the university's Young Democratic Club in 1948. It was also at 
West Virginia University that Jim first met my uncle, A. James Manchin. 
The two became lifelong best friends.
  Jim's commitment to his family and to the community continued after 
leaving West Virginia University. In 1952, Jim met his beautiful wife 
Melba in Parkersburg and soon thereafter the loving couple had their 
four boys, Greg, Cameron, Benji, and Danny. To this day, his commitment 
to his family has undoubtedly always been his No. 1 priority in life.
  Steadfast to his smalltown values, Jim has never been afraid to stand 
for the principles he was taught at an early age, never forgetting his 
West Virginia roots. He has always strived to make a positive 
difference across our great State, and in 1958, Jim decided to run for 
public office to represent Wood County in the West Virginia House of 
Delegates. He served for 2 years, until Jim embarked on a new journey 
in 1960.
  As a staunch Democratic supporter, Jim and A. James together played 
an extraordinarily significant role in John F. Kennedy's Presidential 
campaign in West Virginia. The duo worked tirelessly setting up county 
organizations in all of our State's 55 counties. They worked day and 
night laying the groundwork, coordinating statewide efforts, and 
gathering the support that directly resulted in Kennedy's Presidential 
victory. It was Jim's perseverance and energy that helped make JFK's 
Presidency a reality.
  Jim and A. James' hard work and commitment to the campaign did not go 
unnoticed. When President Kennedy arrived in the White House, he 
personally called Jim and offered him a position as the Director of 
Federal Housing, while A. James became the State Director of the 
Farmers Home Administration. Honored, Jim accepted the position and 
moved to St. Albans in Kanawha County, where he remained active in his 
community while working for the President.
  It is not surprising to anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing 
him, but Jim's success and his tremendous accomplishments have been 
recognized on many levels.
  Today, Jim continues to serve the people of West Virginia through the 
Hansford Senior Center, a community center he established in St. Albans 
to help care for aging seniors in the area.
  It has been an honor and privilege to know such an exceptional West 
Virginian. Jim's imprint will always be marked by his countless 
contributions to the State of West Virginia. I join all West Virginians 
in wishing Jim a happy birthday and in celebrating his 90 years of 
success, and I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with my 
dear friend for years to come.

                          ____________________